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Question

Feature

Tradition
by George Middleto

OLLIVANT. [Affectionately.] Glad to be home again, Mary?

MARY. [Evasively.] The garden is so pretty.

OLLIVANT. Hasn't changed much, eh?

MARY. It seems different; perhaps it's the night.

OLLIVANT. I guess it isn't up to its usual standard. Haven't seen your mother there so often this spring.

EMILY. [Quietly.] This dry spell is not good for flowers.

OLLIVANT. [Turning to EMILY and patting her.] Is there any of that spray mixture left, Emily, dear?

EMILY. I haven't looked lately.

OLLIVANT. I'll order some to-morrow. Think it would be a good idea, daughter, if you'd spray those rosebushes every couple of weeks. The bugs are a pest this spring.

[OLLIVANT goes to the mantel, and while his back is turned, MARY makes a quick questioning gesture to her mother, who sighs helplessly. MARY ponders a moment.]

"Tradition" by George Middleton

Question
Use the lines below to answer the question.

What conclusion can be drawn about the characters, based on this excerpt?

(1 point)
Responses

Mary and her father used to love gardening together.
Mary and her father used to love gardening together.

Mary and her father have a tense relationship.
Mary and her father have a tense relationship.

Ollivant and his wife have a strong, loving marriage.
Ollivant and his wife have a strong, loving marriage.

Ollivant and his wife disagreed about how to raise Mary.
Ollivant and his wife disagreed about how to raise Mary.

Answer 1

Based on the excerpt provided, the conclusion that can be drawn about the characters is:

Mary and her father have a tense relationship.

This conclusion is supported by Mary's evasiveness when responding to her father's questions, as well as her quick questioning gesture towards her mother, which suggests a lack of open communication and possibly hints at underlying tensions.